The document discusses the British Library's extensive audio collections, which contain over 8 million tracks spanning from 1857 to the present day across many formats. It outlines barriers to accessing the collections such as copyright and the unindexed nature of much of the content. The document proposes methods to improve discovery and access through automated enrichment and transcription of the audio files as well as human-led cataloging and annotation efforts. Currently, only a small portion of the collections can be accessed on-site or streamed online, and this document discusses ways to expand access and discovery to more of the library's audio holdings.
2. www.bl.uk 2
Exploring the British Library’s audio
collections
• The collections
• Current access
• Improving discovery and access
3. www.bl.uk 3
The British Library’s audio collections
• Established 1955 as British Institute of Recorded Sound
• National collection of UK music industry
• Selected publications from overseas
• Radio broadcasts
• Unpublished recordings